The Palestinian Territories are known for their culture and sites of historical interest, although the border demarcation and sovereignty of the West Bank and Gaza Strip remain subject to international dispute which continues to foster political instability and violence.

Overall security situation: several security challenges exist Social tensions and grievances: elements of society have notable grievances, leading to sporadic incidents of disquiet State resilience capabilities: institutions are somewhat resilient but there is significant room for improvement Conflict situation: conflict has taken place in recent years Civil unrest: cautionary level of risk; protests and demonstrations are frequent with significant disruption and/or fatal violence Terrorism: high level of risk with fairly regular terrorist incidents causing extensive damage and casualties Crime: low crime rate with some petty crime and limited violent crime Murder rate: moderately high (although note that a proportion of the murders are deemed to be acts of political violence such as terrorism, rather than criminal or financially-motivated) Gun ownership levels: moderately low in comparison to the rest of the world Kidnapping hotspot: no Maritime piracy hotspot: no Do landmines/unexploded munitions pose a significant risk in parts of the country: no

Travellers should consult a medical practitioner prior to their trip but the following vaccines may be considered before travelling to the country, depending on factors such as specific destination, planned activities, intended time and length of stay as well as personal medical conditions (in some cases no additional vaccines may be required at all):

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis B (not always needed)

Rabies (usually only for long-term stays, or for those spending time in isolated areas or coming into contact with animals)

Typhoid

Standard vaccinations (ie those commonly used in the developed world, such as diphtheria, measles, mumps, polio, rubella, tuberculosis and tetanus)

This should take into account the likelihood of potential risks affecting you, as well as the likely impact they will have, and will help you decide, depending on your risk appetite and implementable risk mitigation measures, whether or not you should proceed.

Foreign government warnings

Pay attention to the advice issued by your government and/or other countries (such as the US or UK).

For most travellers, it will be very much advisable to avoid any areas deemed to be high-risk by official government bodies.

For those who need to travel to these locations for work, personal or other essential reasons should consider the risks likely to be present and take appropriate measures.

Insurance may not be valid for travel undertaken to these areas, so it is advisable to check with your provider before travel.

Note that areas of official high-risk might change at short notice.

Infrastructure

Be prepared for potentially poor-quality roads and other forms of transportation.

This can make it difficult to get around.

Consider obtaining a high-quality vehicle that can handle difficult terrain if you intend to travel anywhere with particularly bad-quality roads.

Bear in mind that traffic safety conditions may be poor.

Try to ensure that any accommodation or workplace is located in a good quality building.

Bear in mind that in the event of an accident or emergency, the emergency response services may have very limited resources available.

Healthcare

Bear in mind that healthcare facilities and services may be significantly less extensive than more developed countries.

There may be very limited facilities, staff, techniques and medications available, especially in more isolated or underdeveloped areas.

There may not be adequate reliable blood supplies in local hospitals.

Pharmacists and other sources of even basic medical products may be difficult to find.

Aim to be as medically self-sufficient as possible, taking basic medical supplies.

Research whether or not certain medications are legal in your destination(s).

Take extra supplies of any routinely-taken medicines.

It may also be advisable to have them accompanied by a note from your doctor.

Avoid carrying medication for other travellers.

In the event of serious illness or injury it may be necessary for a patient to be evacuated out of the country.

Ensure that there is sufficient medical insurance in place to cover such an event.

Religious or conservative attitudes

Exercise sensitivity in societies which place a high value on perceived morality, even if it goes against personal beliefs and values.

Research what local cultural practises, attitudes, values and laws you will need to be mindful of before travelling.

Note that some behaviours, interactions and attire may also attract unwanted attention, cause offence or trigger a hostile response.

Note that some subjects may be taboo so avoid discussing them with people if you think it might cause offence.

Crime

Research and familiarise yourself with your destination in advance of travel.

Find out what the local criminal trends are and identify any potential hotspots, such as certain neighbourhoods.

Note than crime levels can often be higher around public transport, shopping areas and crowded places.

In higher risk areas exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings.

Try not to overtly display your belongings or anything that could make you appear wealthy.

Ask yourself if you need to show off your jewellery, watch, mobile phone or other items or equipment.

Try to keep your wallet or cash hidden.

It also helps to avoid appearing vulnerable in at-risk areas so try to display confidence and purpose as you move around.

Avoid consulting a map in public as this will mark you out as both unfamiliar with the environment as well as being potentially vulnerable.

Familiarise yourself with local maps and directions before wandering around.

Identify routes to your accommodation and other safe havens (such as police stations, embassies, commercial areas with a police presence or quieter, safer neighbourhoods for example).

Familiarise yourself with landmarks so you can orientate yourself and find your way out of trouble spots if you need to.

Note that crime trends can change, and the level of risk can become higher, after dark.

It might be advisable to avoid wandering around at night.

Avoid dark alleys in urban areas.

It is might also be advisable to travel in pairs or in a group.

It may also be preferable to drive or be driven around certain areas rather than walking around in the street, even for going relatively short distances.

In general, use your gut instincts and be prepared to avoid situations, places or people that seem suspicious, odd or wrong in some way.

Civil unrest

Civil unrest can lead to road closures and even curfews, which can affect your travel plans.

Be prepared for delays and route alterations.

Avoid demonstrations as they can turn violent.

Large gatherings of people can be difficult to predict or control and can lead to issues such as mob violence, arson, assault and looting.

The security forces may use excessive force to control events in some circumstances, posing an indiscriminate risk to anyone in the area.

Even without any particular violence, large demonstrations can be at risk of poor crowd control, which can lead to crushes and stampedes.

If demonstrations take place on a frequent basis, research the trends which tend to accompany them.

Where do they tend to take place? Do they tend to turn violent? Do attendees target specific types of building or representative interests associated with a specific nationality, industry, political group (such as party-political offices, state buildings or foreign-owned businesses)?

Once you have identified the sorts of risks, trends and areas of higher risk to be avoided you can start planning to minimise your exposure.

If civil unrest appears to be particularly volatile, or set to last for an extended period, try to stock up with essential items (including food, water and medicine) in case you are stuck in your accommodation or work place or other location for an extended period of time.

Be prepared to alter your plans at short notice and even to leave the area or even the whole country if conditions escalate. deteriorate.

Identify evacuation routes and safe havens in case you need to get out of harms way at short notice.

It is also advisable to identify the evacuation routes and fire safety procedures at your accommodation and/or work place in case you need to leave in a hurry.

Beware of photography at sensitive sites or during civil disturbance.

Terrorism

Monitor and assess the trends and tactics of any relevant terrorist organisations with the potential for targeting your location and identify potential targets.

For particularly at-risk areas, the most effective risk mitigation advice is simply to avoid them.

Use your judgement on the frequency of incidents taking place and decide whether or not your journey to an at-risk location is needed.

Be vigilant in and around higher-risk areas, which could include crowded places, symbolic or sensitive political sites, or busy restaurant, nightlife or tourist spots.

Depending on the situation and circumstances (including your own work, nationality, lifestyle and other profile aspects) you might need to enact security measures for protection in higher-risk areas.

Be aware of your surroundings and be prepared to react at short notice in the event of an incident.

In the event of an incident, get out of the area quickly if it is safe to do so.

Alternatively hide and try to keep out of harm’s way.

In most cases you should only try to help other people if it is safe for you to do so.

Keep quiet and notify the relevant authorities, colleagues or loved ones only when you are out of danger.

Instability

Bear in mind that conditions could deteriorate in the future.

Monitor the news closely and pay attention to official advice issued by foreign governments (such as the British Foreign Office or US State Department).

Stay in communication with other people working and/or travelling with you, as well as your colleagues, employers and/or loved ones out of the country.

If such a deterioration takes place, note that the process could be gradual, or it could be very sudden.

Have contingency plans in place, including evacuation routes, safe havens and alternatives if these areas suddenly become unsafe or unreachable.

During a crisis, roads might be blocked or congested, airports could be chaotic, and borders may be sealed so it helps to have a range of potential options.

In times of heightened tension, be prepared to leave at short notice.

Alternatively, if the situation on the ground is hazardous, it might be preferable to stay in a ‘hold fast’ position in secure accommodation and await conditions to stabilise.

Have adequate stocks of fuel, food, water and medication to either stay in the hold fast position, or to take with you on your journey, in case it involves lengthy delays.

Have your valuables and other essential items close at hand and ready to take with you at short notice (for example in a ‘grab bag’).

Ensure that you have adequate insurance in place to cover you for an evacuation if one is required.

Weather

If rainfall, flooding, extreme temperatures or other types of severe weather are a concern, check the local weather patterns to find out if there are times of the year where the risk is much higher.

Consider avoiding travel to at-risk destinations during these times.

Try to stay in good quality accommodation.

Take appropriate clothing and footwear.

Take appropriate protection for any sensitive equipment you wish to bring.

Note that storms, flooding and other types of harsh weather can overload infrastructure, lead to traffic jams and power cuts.

Flooding and heavy rainfall can also raise the risk of landslides, as well as insect- and water-borne diseases in some parts of the world.

As such, be prepared to delay, alter or even cancel travel plans to affected or high-risk areas.

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A Palestinian farmer was killed by Israel tank fire earlier on 30th March, raising tensions ahead of protests which were already planned to take place today to mark ‘Land Day’. The protests may be particularly intense in the Gaza Strip as a result, while there may be an increased risk of rockets being fired into southern Israel from the territory.

Security will likely be tight amid a risk of demonstrations over the Easter and Passover holidays, from 30 March to 9 April. Demonstrations are likely to take place during the holiday, with a risk of violence, particularly in Jerusalem and around security checkpoints.

Thousands of workers from UNRWA (the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East) demonstrated earlier on 29th January over planned budget cuts, potentially due to a US reduction in aid to the organisation. Further demonstrations may take place and could become increasingly angry, particularly when the cuts begin having a tangible impact on ordinary people.

A Palestinian protester stabbed an Israeli border guard and was shot and injured in return. More violence is to be expected in the West Bank after Donald Trump announced his recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-42371503

This is one of the main crossing points from the Gaza Strip into Israel. It’s at the north end of the Gaza Strip and it’s mostly for pedestrians only. The Israeli authorities occasionally shut it, usually during times of political tension or in the aftermath of security incidents (such as rocket launches from Gaza-based militants).

This is one of the border crossing points from the Gaza Strip to Israel. It’s the main entry point for goods/food etc into the territory. When it gets closed it can have a knock-on effect with price rises and shortages.

The Israeli air force hit targets in the Gaza Strip in response to recent rocket launches from the area into southern Israel. More rockets may be fired and more retaliatory strikes may also take place in the coming days.http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-42352126

After Donald Trump stated his recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, protesters called for a day of rage in response (due to take place on December 8th). This has now been extended to ‘three days of rage’ so unrest and violence is likely to continue through the weekend. US personnel and interests, as well as those mistaken for US nationals or US interests, may be targeted. It will be advisable to retain a low profile during this time.

Several people were injured in anti-Israeli and anti-US protests in cities such as Hebron, East Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Ramallah, Al-Bireh and Gaza after Donald Trump recognised Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and indicated plans were underway to move the US embassy there from Tel Aviv. Most of those injured were hit by live fire or rubber bullets used by the Israeli security forces to try and contain the unrest. More demonstrations are expected today with Palestinians calling for a ‘day of rage’. There is likely to be a large turnout, especially after Friday prayers.https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-usa-trump-israel-clashes/israeli-troops-clash-with-palestinian-protesters-in-west-bank-gaza-idUKKBN1E11SF

Hamas has called for a ‘day of rage’ on Friday to protest against Donald Trump’s recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel (a highly controversial move). Expect demonstrations around the territory, which could turn violent at short notice.

Protests are likely to take place around the Palestinian territories in light of Donald Trump’s recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. The highly controversial move has sparked widespread anger, which may be directed against US and Israeli interests. Mistaken identity could result in non-US and non-Israeli individuals being targeted, while perceived supporters of the US in its foreign policy may also be targeted, including nationals from the many countries which have criticised Trump’s statement. Demonstrations have already taken place in East Jerusalem, Nablus Bethlehem and the Gaza Strip and more are to be expected.

There is speculation that US president Donald Trump may announce official recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. If this unprecedented political move occurs it could generate anger throughout the Palestinian territories, where many regard Jerusalem as their rightful capital. There could be protests and demonstrations in the area over the coming days, and especially if he makes the announcement. The protests could turn violent and could be specifically anti-Western in nature.

Hamas and Fatah have made a reconciliation deal that involves co-operation as well as moves that seem to reduce the risk of conflict with Israel – for the time being at least. This is very positive. Further talks are expected and more positive developments could take place as a result.https://www.haaretz.com/middle-east-news/palestinians/1.817272

It is advisable to dress modestly, particularly women; the Gaza strip can be especially conservative.

It is advisable to ask permission or exercise discretion if taking photographs; do not take photographs of security force or militant personnel or facilities.

Individuals are advised carry identification at all times (such as a photocopy of the personal details and entry stamp pages of a passport).

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AnonymousMay 23, 2017

Advice for West Bank area

Usually in the west bank it is safe but you have to be careful in Hebron or between cities as there might be some check points with Israeli soldiers. It might look scary but usually for visitors it’s safe.